Three keys to better bathing

1. Dilute the shampoo. It’s tempting to squirt shampoo directly onto a muddy horse or your wash mitt, but undiluted soap can be difficult to rinse, and residue left behind can dry and irritate the skin. Instead, dilute shampoo in a bucket of water before application.

2. Use a mesh shower “scrubbie” instead of a sponge. Not only will a scrubbie remove stains better, but it dries out quickly, making it less hospitable for mold and other bacteria.

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3. Pay attention to areas you can’t see. Parts of your horse that aren’t easy to wash probably need it the most. Squat and contort yourself as necessary to safely scrub your horse’s midline, a favorite feasting place for small insects. Also clean under his jawbone and scrub the roots of his mane and tail, checking for ticks as you work.

Bathing horses may not seem like a hazardous activity, but the wash stall is a common site for accidents. Tips like these will keep you and your horse safe in a wash stall. Consider using mats, as water and soap make for slippery surfaces in a wash stall, while bathing horses. Also, a hose threaded between hind legs can startle or entangle a horse, while bathing horses.